Huskers Continue Big Ten Slate with Pair of Duals

No. 13 Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) vs. No. 12 Illinois (8-3, 2-2 Big Ten)
Friday, Jan. 23 • 7 p.m. (CT) • Huff Hall (4,500) • Champaign, Ill.
Series History: Nebraska leads, 4-3-0
Last Meeting: Nebraska won, 22-13, on Feb. 1, 2014 in Champaign, Ill.
Scoring: TrackWrestling.com
Live Video (subscription required): BTN Plus
Twitter Feed: @HuskerWrestling

No. 21 Rutgers (10-4, 1-4 Big Ten) vs. No. 13 Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten)
Sunday, Jan. 25 • Noon (CT) • Devaney Center (7,907) • Lincoln, Neb.
Series History: Nebraska leads, 2-0-0
Last Meeting: Nebraska won, 22-10, on Dec. 16, 2012 in New York, N.Y.
Scoring: TrackWrestling.com
TV: Big Ten Network (Commentators: Tim Johnson, Jim Gibbons and Shane Sparks)
Twitter Feed: @HuskerWrestling

No. 13 Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) battles 12th-ranked Illinois on the road before hosting No. 21 Rutgers at the Devaney Center this weekend. 

The dual between the Huskers and Fighting Illini is set for Friday at 7 p.m. (CT) at Huff Hall in Champaign, Ill., on BTN Plus. It will mark the eighth meeting all time, with NU holding a 4-3-0 advantage.

The Huskers face the Scarlet Knights on Sunday at noon (CT) on the Big Ten Network. Nebraska holds a 2-0-0 record in the series, with the last meeting in 2012.

Both duals can be followed on Twitter via @HuskerWrestling. Scoring will also be available on TrackWrestling.com

Last Time Out: Huskers Finish Strong in Win Over Boilermakers
Eight Huskers earned victories on Friday, Jan. 9, to lead No. 12 Nebraska to a 25-6 win over Purdue in the Tumble N’ Rumble event at the Devaney Center. After winning three of the first five matches, NU collected victories in each of the final five bouts to put away the Boilermakers. Sophomore Aaron Studebaker highlighted the night with his 3-1 win over eighth-ranked Braden Atwood at 197 pounds in the ninth match of the dual. No. 12 Tim Lambert (125), No. 12 Anthony Abidin (141), Justin Arthur (149), Austin Wilson (165), No. 1 Robert Kokesh (174), No. 18 TJ Dudley (184) and No. 17 Collin Jensen also posted victories.

Scouting the Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois is 8-3 this season, and holds a 2-2 record in Big Ten duals. The Fighting Illini won their first six duals and eight of their first nine before losses to No. 1 Iowa and No. 2 Minnesota last weekend. Illinois also competed at the Midlands Invitational, where the Illini took second place.

Two-time defending national champion Jesse Delgado holds the top ranking at 125 pounds despite only wrestling in two matches this season. He is one of seven ranked wrestlers for Illinois, joined by Zane Richards (4th at 133), Isaiah Martinez (4th at 157), Jackson Morse (8th at 165), Zac Brunson (9th at 174), Steven Rodrigues (12th at 141) and Nikko Reyes (20th at 184).

Illinois is coached by Jim Heffernan, who is in his sixth season at the helm of the Fighting Illini wrestling program. He holds a career record of 56-34-2, and is assisted by Mark Perry and Jeremy Hunter.

Scouting the Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers is 10-4 on the season, and holds a 1-4 record in Big Ten duals. After starting the season with 10 consecutive wins, including a win over then-No. 19 Oklahoma, the Scarlet Knights have dropped four straight duals by double digits. Rutgers also competed at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, where the Scarlet Knights finished 11th. 

Rutgers has five ranked wrestlers in InterMat’s latest poll, led by No. 7 Anthony Ashnault at 141 pounds. Billy Smith (14th at HWT), Scott DelVecchio (17th at 133), Ken Theobold (17th at 149) and Phil Bakuckas (20th at 174) are also in the rankings.

The Scarlet Knights are coached by Scott Goodale, who is in his eighth season at the helm of the wrestling program. He holds a career record of 121-42-1, and is assisted by Donny Pritzlaff and John Leonardis.

Road Warriors
Nebraska enters the weekend having won nine consecutive road duals. The Huskers are 3-0 in true road matchups this season after going 6-0 in 2013-14. NU’s last loss on the road came on Feb. 10, 2013 against No. 2 Iowa, 31-7, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

Ousley Named NCAS PlayMaker of the Month
Junior Ian Ousley earned National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) Male PlayMaker of the Month for January.

Ousley, a Saginaw, Mich., native, has collected numerous awards for his work off the mat, both in the classroom and in the community. He is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and three-time Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll member. In 2014, he claimed one of Nebraska Athletics’ coveted HERO Leadership Awards, which recognizes student-athletes for exceptional leadership, consistent and dedicated community service, and positive influence on the team.

Ousley earned a spot on the 2014 Tom Osborne Citizenship Team and garnered the Nebraska Wrestling Spirit of Excellence Award at the 2013-14 end-of-season banquet. Ousley has continued to be a leader for the team in the Life Skills department, and helped the wrestling program win Nebraska’s Life Skills Men’s Team Competition Award in each of the last two years.

Ousley is currently serving as the vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for 2014-15, and has volunteered for numerous other organizations. He currently holds a 3.252 grade-point average.

The PlayMaker of the Month Award recognizes the academic achievement and community service efforts of student-athletes at NCAS member institutions. Current student-athletes are nominated by their coaches, administrators, and teammates, they must carry a 3.0 grade point average, and they must be active participants in community/volunteer services and/or social change advocacy.

Nebraska in the Rankings
As a team, Nebraska is ranked 13th in the USA Today/NWCA Coaches Poll, 12th by InterMat and 12th by WIN Magazine. The Huskers are 5-1 on the season, with a 2-1 record in Big Ten duals. NU is 1-0 against ranked opponents, 2-1 at home and 3-0 on the road.

Back Points - Notes on Nebraska’s Starters
Tim Lambert, 125 pounds, Sophomore, Forest Hills, Mich.
• Tim Lambert is 14-6 this season, and holds a 5-1 record in dual competition. He is 2-5 against ranked opponents and 3-0 in Big Ten duals. Lambert has one pin, one technical fall and four major decisions this season.
• Lambert is ranked 11th by InterMat, 10th by WIN Magazine and 12th by TheOpenMat.com.
• Lambert finished second at the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo., and took fifth place at the Southern Scuffle, Jan. 1-2, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Lambert went 24-13 last season on his way to qualifying for the NCAA Championships. He went 2-2 at the national tournament after finishing fifth at the Big Ten Championships.

Eric Montoya, 133 pounds, Sophomore, Albuquerque, N.M.
• Eric Montoya is 10-8 this season, with a 2-4 mark in duals. He is 0-5 against ranked opponents and 0-3 in Big Ten duals. Montoya has two pins, two technical falls and one major decision in 2014-15.
• Montoya took home the 133-pound title at the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo.
• Montoya went 11-2 last season en route to winning Nebraska Redshirt-of-the-Year honors. In 2013, he qualified for the NCAA Championships while wrestling at Campbell University.

Anthony Abidin, 141 pounds, Junior, Dix Hills, N.Y.
• Anthony Abidin is 18-2 this season, and holds a 6-0 record in duals. He is 3-2 against ranked opponents and 3-0 in Big Ten duals. Abidin has one technical fall and 10 major decisions this season.
• Abidin is ranked 10th by InterMat, 12th by WIN Magazine and sixth by TheOpenMat.com.
• Abidin won the 141-pound crown at the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo., and finished third at the Southern Scuffle, Jan. 1-2, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Abidin went 18-3 last season in his first year with the Huskers, which included a 5-0 mark in dual competition. In 2012, while wrestling at Nassau Community College, Abidin won the NJCAA national title at 133 pounds.

Justin Arthur, 149 pounds, Sophomore, Huntington, W.Va.
• Justin Arthur is 16-8 this season, with a 2-4 record in duals. He is 3-3 when facing ranked opponents and 3-0 in Big Ten duals. Arthur has two pins and two major decisions in 2014-15.
• Arthur captured the 149-pound title at the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo., and finished fourth at the Cliff Keen Invitational, Dec. 5-6, in Las Vegas, Nev.
• Arthur competed at Clarion last season, where he qualified for the NCAA Championships and fell one win short of All-America honors. He went 29-16 at 149 pounds for the Golden Eagles.

James Green, 157 pounds, Senior, Willingboro, N.J.
• James Green is 18-2 this season, and holds a 5-1 record in dual competition. He is 4-1 when facing ranked opponents and is 2-1 in Big Ten duals. Green has two pins, six technical falls and five major decisions this season.
• Green is ranked third by InterMat, fourth by WIN Magazine and third by TheOpenMat.com.
• Green won the 157-pound title at the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo., and the Southern Scuffle, Jan. 1-2, in Chattanooga, Tenn. He finished second at the Cliff Keen Invitational, Dec. 5-6, in Las Vegas, Nev.
• Green became the 23rd member of Nebraska’s 100-Win Club with his major decision over Maryland’s Lou Mascola on Nov. 16. Green is one win away from becoming a member of Nebraska’s Top 10 Career Victories List.
• Green opened his season at the NWCA All-Star Classic in Philadelphia, Pa., where he defeated No. 3 Ian Miller by a 6-4 decision. After the competition, he was named MVP of the Red Team. The win does not count toward his record.
• Green looks to become the second Husker all-time to earn All-America status on four occasions. The title is currently owned by Associate Head Coach Bryan Snyder, who wrestled for the Huskers from 1999 to 2002. Green finished third at the 2014 NCAA Championships after taking seventh during both his sophomore and freshman seasons.
• Green won the 2014 Big Ten title at 157 pounds after finishing second in 2013 and fifth in 2012.

Austin Wilson, 165 pounds, Junior, Hastings, Neb.
• Austin Wilson is 9-7 this season, with a 4-2 record in dual competition. He is 1-3 against ranked opponents and 2-1 in Big Ten duals. Wilson has two pins, one technical fall and two major decisions this season.
• Wilson is a two-time NCAA qualifier and finished sixth at the 2014 Big Ten Championships. Last season, he went 23-16 after posting a 27-14 record in 2012-13.

Robert Kokesh, 174 pounds, Senior, Wagner, S.D.
• Robert Kokesh is 22-0 on the season, and holds a 6-0 dual record. He is 6-0 when facing ranked opponents, and holds a 3-0 record in Big Ten duals. Kokesh has six pins, two technical falls and four major decisions in 2014-15.
• Kokesh is ranked first in the InterMat, WIN Magazine and TheOpenMat.com polls. He took over the top spot in every major NCAA wrestling poll after winning 174-pound Cliff Keen Invitational title, Dec. 5-6.
• Kokesh has won his last 22 dual matches, dating back to Feb. 10, 2013, when he fell to Iowa’s Mike Evans.
• Kokesh garnered Big Ten Wrestler-of-the-Week accolades from the conference on Jan. 6 after winning the 174-pound title at the Southern Scuffle, Jan. 1-2, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Kokesh is a member of Nebraska’s Top Five Career Victories List. He is one win away from tying Jordan Burroughs for fourth in school history with 128 wins.
• Kokesh won the 174-pound title at the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo., the Cliff Keen Invitational, Dec. 5-6, in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Southern Scuffle, Jan. 1-2, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Kokesh opened his season at the NWCA All-Star Classic in Philadelphia, Pa., where he defeated NAIA No. 1 and three-time national champion Brock Gutches of Southern Oregon by an 8-2 decision. The win does not count toward his record.
• Kokesh is a two-time All-American and member of Nebraska’s 100-Win Club. He finished fourth at the 2014 NCAA Championships after taking third place in 2013.
• Kokesh won the 2014 Big Ten title at 174 pounds after finishing third in both 2013 and 2012.

TJ Dudley, 184 pounds, Sophomore, Irmo, S.C.
• TJ Dudley is 15-5 this season, with a 2-2 dual record. He is 1-5 against ranked opponents and holds a 1-1 record in Big Ten duals. Dudley has four pins and four major decisions this season.
• Dudley is ranked 18th by InterMat and 17th by WIN Magazine.
• Dudley captured the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) crown at 184 pounds on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo., finished seventh at the Cliff Keen Invitational, Dec. 5-6, in Las Vegas, Nev., and took eighth at the Southern Scuffle, Jan. 1-2, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Dudley went 26-8 last season on his way to qualifying for the NCAA Championships.

Aaron Studebaker, 197 pounds, Sophomore, Raymond, Neb.
• Aaron Studebaker is 19-6 this season, and holds a 3-1 dual record. He is 2-4 against ranked opponents and is 2-1 in Big Ten duals. Studebaker has three pins, four technical falls and two major decisions in 2014-15.
• Studebaker finished fifth at the Warren Williamson/Daktronics Open on Nov. 2 in Brookings, S.D., took runner-up honors at the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo., and won the 184-pound title at the Bob Smith Open on Dec. 7 in Fort Hays, Kan.
• Studebaker went 24-5 last season, capturing three open tournament titles in the process.

Collin Jensen, Heavyweight, Sophomore, Mobridge, S.D.
• Collin Jensen is 10-7 this season, and holds a 4-2 dual record. He is 0-4 against ranked opponents, and 2-1 in Big Ten duals. Jensen has four pins, one technical fall and one major decision this season.
• Jensen is ranked 17th by InterMat and 19th by WIN Magazine.
• Jensen tied for third at the Cowboy Open (Elite Division) on Nov. 8 in Laramie, Wyo.
• Jensen went 20-15 last season on his way to a berth in the NCAA Championships.

Keeping an Eye on Nebraska’s Career Records Lists
• Head Coach Mark Manning is eight dual wins away from becoming the winningest coach in Nebraska wrestling history. The win would also mark the 200th in his time with the Huskers. Manning holds a 192-74-3 record in his 15th season at Nebraska. Former Head Coach Tim Neumann (1985-2000) went 199-77-6 while coaching the Huskers.

• Senior James Green (157) is 14 wins away from joining Nebraska’s Top Five Career Victories List. Green holds a career record of 112-19-0 and is a three-time All-American.

• Senior Robert Kokesh (174) is six wins away from joining Nebraska’s Top Three Career Victories List. Kokesh owns a career mark of 127-14-0 and is a two-time All-American.

Sueflohn Out for the Season
Senior Jake Sueflohn (149) will miss the 2014-15 campaign with a torn ACL. Sueflohn is redshirting this season and will have one more year of eligibility. The three-time NCAA qualifier has a career record of 80-24, and holds a dual mark of 37-8.

Dual Recaps
Wyoming (Nov. 7): Huskers Top Cowboys in Season Opener
No. 7 Nebraska opened its dual season with a 22-13 victory over No. 25 Wyoming at the Wyoming Indoor Practice Facility on Friday, Nov. 7. No. 15 Collin Jensen (HWT), Eric Montoya (133), No. 17 Anthony Abidin (141), No. 2 James Green (157), No. 14 Austin Wilson (165) and No. 2 Robert Kokesh (174) claimed wins for the Huskers. Green pinned Archie Colgan, while Abidin earned a major decision over Cole Mendenhall for bonus points.

Maryland (Nov. 16): Green Earns 100th Career Win as NU Routs Terps
Senior James Green (157) picked up his 100th career victory as No. 7 Nebraska cruised to a 42-3 triumph over Big Ten newcomer Maryland at the NU Coliseum on Sunday, Nov. 16. Four Huskers won by fall against the Terrapins, including No. 14 Tim Lambert (125), No. 16 Austin Wilson (165), No. 2 Robert Kokesh (174) and No. 18 Collin Jensen (HWT). Justin Arthur (149) and Aaron Studebaker (184) each notched major decisions, while No. 15 Anthony Abidin (141) and Micah Barnes (197) each won by decision.

Duke/NC State (Nov. 22): Huskers Sweep Weekend Trip to North Carolina
No. 7 Nebraska took down Duke, 45-3, at Card Gymnasium in Durham, N.C., before holding off NC State by a 16-15 margin at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday, Nov. 22.

The Huskers won nine bouts against the Blue Devils, which included pins from Eric Montoya (133), No. 16 TJ Dudley (184) and No. 15 Collin Jensen (HWT). No. 15 Anthony Abidin (141), No. 2 James Green (157), No. 17 Austin Wilson (165), Micah Barnes (197) also won matches, while No. 14 Tim Lambert (125) and No. 2 Robert Kokesh (174) did not compete because Duke forfeited those matches.

NU split its matches against the Wolfpack, 5-5, but Green’s major decision proved to be the difference in the Huskers’ one-point victory. Lambert, Abidin, Kokesh and Aaron Studebaker (184) also posted victories against NC State wrestlers.

Wisconsin (Dec. 13): Huskers Stunned by Badgers
No. 8 Nebraska suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday, Dec. 13, as the Huskers fell to Wisconsin, 23-14, at the Devaney Center. No. 1 Robert Kokesh (174), No. 18 Tim Lambert (125), No. 20 Anthony Abidin (141) and No. 2 James Green (157) each posted victories for the Huskers. Kokesh and Abidin provided bonus points, as they each collected major decisions.

Tournament Recaps
Cowboy Open (Nov. 8): Huskers Win Eight Weight Classes at Cowboy Open
No. 7 Nebraska won eight weight class titles at the Cowboy Open at War Memorial Field House in Laramie, Wyo., on Saturday, Nov. 8. No. 2 James Green (157), No. 2 Robert Kokesh (174), No. 13 TJ Dudley (184), Eric Montoya (133), No. 17 Anthony Abidin (141) and Justin Arthur (149) each captured Elite Division titles. No. 14 Tim Lambert (125) and Micah Barnes (197) each garnered runner-up honors, while No. 15 Collin Jensen and Nyle Bartling tied for third at heavyweight.

In the Amateur Division, Tyler Berger took home the 149-pound crown, while Colton Adams and Hayden Tuma tied for first at 141 pounds. Mitchell Maginnis (125) finished third.
John Svoboda (157), No. 14 Austin Wilson (165) and Spencer Johnson (197) also wrestled for the Huskers at the Cowboy Open.

Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (Dec. 5-6): Kokesh Wins Cliff Keen Invitational Title
Senior All-American Robert Kokesh captured the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational crown at 174 pounds at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 6. Four Huskers placed in the tournament, with senior James Green taking runner-up honors at 157 pounds. Sophomore Justin Arthur (149) notched a fourth-place finish and TJ Dudley (184) finished seventh. Nebraska finished sixth as a team with 89 points.

No. 17 Austin Wilson (165), No. 14 Collin Jensen (HWT), No. 13 Tim Lambert (125), Eric Montoya (133), No. 15 Anthony Abidin (141) and Micah Barnes (197) each competed for the Huskers at the Cliff Keen Invitational, but did not place.

Southern Scuffle (Jan. 1-2): Kokesh, Green Win Southern Scuffle Crowns
Senior All-Americans Robert Kokesh (174) and James Green (157) each captured weight class titles at the Defense Soap and Flips Wrestling Southern Scuffle at McKenzie Arena on Friday, Jan. 2. The Huskers finished fourth as a team with 116 points.

No. 20 Anthony Abidin took third place at 141 pounds after a 6-1 showing during the two-day event. No. 17 Tim Lambert placed fifth with a 6-2 record at the Southern Scuffle. Unattached wrestler Tyler Berger (149) earned a sixth-place finish at the tournament, while 184-pounder TJ Dudley finished eighth.

Eric Montoya (133), Justin Arthur (149), Austin Wilson (165), Aaron Studebaker (184), Spencer Johnson (197), Micah Barnes (197) and Collin Jensen (HWT) also competed for the Huskers at the Southern Scuffle. Dustin Williams (165) and Derek White (197) each wrestled unattached at the tournament.

Tracking the Non-Varsity
Warren Williamson/Daktronics Open; Brookings, S.D. (Nov. 2)
Seven Huskers earned spots on the podium at the Warren Williamson/Daktronics Open at Frost Arena in Brookings, S.D., on Sunday, Nov. 2. Tyler Berger (149) and Dustin Williams (165), each wrestling unattached, turned in second-place finishes to lead the way. Derek White (3rd at 197 - unattached), Aaron Studebaker (5th at 184), Micah Barnes (5th at 197), Nyle Bartling (5th at HWT) and Colton McCrystal (6th at 141 - unattached) also placed for the Big Red.

Harold Nichols Cyclone Open; Ames, Iowa (Nov. 8)
Freshman Derek White led five Huskers at the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open on Saturday, Nov. 8 with his runner-up finish at 197 pounds. At 149 pounds, junior Tyrell Galloway turned in a sixth-place finish. Sean Murphy (133), Gage Anderson (165) and Eric Engler (184) also competed for the Huskers at the Harold Nichols Open.

Nebraska-Kearney Holiday Inn Open; Kearney, Neb. (Nov. 22)
Sophomore Colton McCrystal (141) and senior Spencer Johnson (197) each won Elite Division titles, while freshman Dustin Williams (165) won an Amateur Division crown at the Nebraska-Kearney Holiday Inn on Saturday, Nov. 22. Freshman Tyler Berger, wrestling unattached, finished third at 149 pounds in the Elite Division. Eric Coufal (Elite 133), Tyrell Galloway (Elite 149), Darrian Schwenke (Amateur 133), Brian Peska (Amateur 133), Aris Shino (Amateur 133), Austin Chauncey (Amateur 157) and Jake Anderson (Amateur 197) also competed for the Huskers at the Nebraska-Kearney Holiday Inn Open.

Bob Smith Open; Fort Hays, Kan. (Dec. 7)
Aaron Studebaker (184) and Spencer Johnson (197) each captured weight class titles at the Bob Smith Open on Sunday, Dec. 7. Brandon Wilbourn also placed, taking third at 165 pounds after a 4-1 performance. Mitchell Maginnis (125), Sean Murphy (133), Aris Shino (133), Eric Coufal (133), Austin Chauncey (157) and Jake Anderson (197) also competed for the Huskers at the Bob Smith Open.

York College Open; York, Neb. (Dec. 13)
Colton McCrystal (141), Tyler Berger (149) and Derek White (197) each won weight class titles in dominating fashion at the York College Open on Saturday, Dec. 13. Brian Peska also competed at the York College Open and posted a 3-2 record at 133 pounds, which included one technical fall and one major decision. All four wrestlers were unattached at the tournament.

Viking-Warrior Open; Fremont, Neb. (Jan. 3)
Brandon Wilbourn (165) and Nyle Bartling (HWT) each won weight class titles at the Viking-Warrior Open on Saturday, Jan. 3. Mitchell Maginnis (2nd at 125) and Eric Coufal (3rd at 133) also placed for the Huskers in Fremont. Brian Peska (133 – unattached), Sean Murphy (133 – unattached), Luis DeAnda (149), Austin Chauncey (157 – unattached), Eric Engler (174) and Jake Anderson (197 – unattached) also made appearances at the Viking-Warrior Open.

Hastings Cusatis Open; Hastings, Neb. (Jan. 10)
Mitchell Maginnis (125), Dustin Williams (165 – unattached) and Nyle Bartling (HWT) each won weight class titles at the Hastings Cusatis Open, while Colton McCrystal and Colton Adams tied for first at 141 pounds on Saturday, Jan. 10. John Svoboda and Brian Peska (unattached) also placed for the Huskers at the tournament. Svoboda finished second at 157 pounds, while Peska earned a third-place finish at 133 pounds. Austin Chauncey (157 – unattached), Ian Ousley (165), Eric Engler (184) and Jake Anderson (197 - unattached) also competed at the Hastings Cusatis Open.

Green, Kokesh Win at NWCA All-Star Classic
All-Americans James Green (157) and Robert Kokesh (174) each opened their senior campaign with a victory at the NWCA All-Star Classic on Saturday, Nov. 1 at The Palestra in Philadelphia, Pa.

Kokesh defeated NAIA No. 1 and three-time national champion Brock Gutches of Southern Oregon by an 8-2 decision at 174 pounds, and Green won by a 6-4 decision over No. 3 Ian Miller of Kent State. After the competition, Green was named Most Valuable Wrestler for the Red Team.

Huskers Impress at Intrasquad
Nebraska held its annual Coaches Clinic/Intrasquad event on Friday, Oct. 31 at the Devaney Center, which gave fans their first chance to see the 2014-15 Huskers.

Head Coach Mark Manning introduced the team before the exhibition and shared facts about each wrestler during the competition. Assistant Coach and Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs also spoke to the crowd about the upcoming season. The 90-minute workout included matches from all 10 weight classes.

BTN, BTN Plus Giving Huskers Exposure
Nebraska will make one appearance on the Big Ten Network this season, while making five showings on BTN Plus before the Big Ten Championships, March 7-8.

Sunday’s dual against Rutgers at the Devaney Center is slated for a noon (CT) start on BTN. NU will welcome the conference newcomer for the third all-time meeting between the two schools.
Nebraska’s first BTN Plus appearance is set for Friday when the Huskers face Illinois at 7 p.m., in Champaign, Ill. The dual marks the first of four road matchups to be streamed on BTN Plus. The Huskers’ duals at Northwestern (Jan. 30), at Michigan (Feb. 6) and at Michigan State (Feb. 8) will all be on BTN Plus in addition to NU’s home finale against Stanford on Friday, Feb. 13.

The entire first day of the Big Ten Championships on March 7 in Columbus, Ohio will be streamed on BTN Plus. The start time will be announced at a later date. The final session on Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m., will be televised on BTN.

Huskers Working Through 2014-15 Slate
Following this weekend, the Huskers make a return to trip to Illinois on Friday, Jan. 30 to face Northwestern in Evanston, before returning home for a Sunday match against Indiana on Feb. 1.

The Huskers head to the Great Lakes State for a pair of duals on the subsequent weekend, as NU faces Michigan on Friday, Feb. 6, before visiting East Lansing, Mich., to wrestle against Michigan State.

Senior Night at the Devaney Center is slated for Friday, Feb. 13, as Nebraska hosts Stanford at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 21, NU will compete against Drexel and Princeton in Philadelphia, Pa., starting at noon.

The Big Ten Championships are scheduled for March 7-8 in Columbus, Ohio, while the NCAA Championships will be March 19-21 in St. Louis, Mo.

Burroughs Takes Bronze at World Championships
Olympic Gold Medalist and Nebraska Assistant Coach Jordan Burroughs earned the freestyle bronze medal at 74 kg/163 pounds at the 2014 FILA World Championships after going 4-1 at the Gymnastics Palace in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Sept. 9.

After his performance, Burroughs holds a 92-2 record internationally, earning gold medals at the 2012 Olympics, as well as the 2011 and 2013 FILA World Championships. At Nebraska, he won national titles in 2009 and 2011, capturing the Hodge Trophy in his final year with the Huskers.

Green Falls in World Team Trials Finals
James Green (70 kg/154 pounds) advanced to the finals of the Phase II World Team Trials before dropping two matches to Nick Marable on July 24 at the Fargodome in Fargo, N.D.

Green, representing Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, won the challenge tournament to earn a spot in the best-of-three championship series for a spot on the U.S. World Team. In the first match against 2014 U.S. Open champion Marable, Green fell by a 2-1 margin. Marable also came out on top in the second match, 8-2.

Gold Medalist Burroughs Hired As Assistant Coach
Head Coach Mark Manning announced the hiring of Husker legend and Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs as an assistant coach for the team on July 11.

“We are pleased to announce Jordan as one of my top assistants,” Manning said. “Jordan is one of the best wrestlers in the world and his accomplishments speak for themselves. We want him to continue to win World and Olympic titles until he completes his career. Jordan and his wife Lauren have made a commitment to be a part of Nebraska Athletics for a very long time. I along with the wrestlers and staff are glad to have the influence, mentorship and knowledge that Jordan brings to Nebraska wrestling. He has been a part of Nebraska wrestling for the last eight years and will continue to be a tremendous ambassador for the University of Nebraska.”

Burroughs previously served on the Nebraska wrestling staff as an administrative assistant for the 2012-13 season. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in sociology in May 2011.

“This is a huge stepping stone for my career and for Nebraska wrestling,” Burroughs said. “These are great facilities, people and tradition, and I’m extremely happy to continue to be a part of it. Now I get to look at things from the inside-out, whereas before it was from the outside-in. I want us to win team championships.”

Green Takes Silver at University Worlds
James Green earned the silver medal at 70 kg/154 pounds in the men’s freestyle division of the University World Championships in Pecs, Hungary on July 9.

Green (Titan Mercury WC/Nebraska RTC) opened the day with an 11-1 victory over Finland’s Jere Kunnas in the quarterfinals before taking down Russia’s Shamil Magomedov, 8-4, in the semifinals. In the finals, Evgheni Nedealco of Moldova pinned Green.

This year’s competition marked the second consecutive year that Green competed in the University World Championships. Last summer Green posted a 1-1 record in Kazan, Russia.

Ex-Husker Raschke Inducted into Hall of Fame
Former Husker wrestler Jim Raschke was one of four men inducted into the Alan and Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions on Oct. 18 at the Kennedy Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

In addition to Raschke, the fifth induction class included Jim Burke (posthumous), Brad Rheingans and Jim Martinez. The Martinez Family received the Legacy Award and Dave Curby was given the Alan Rice Leadership Award.

Raschke lettered for Nebraska from 1960 to 1962, and captured the 1962 Big Eight title at heavyweight. After his collegiate career, Raschke became the second American to win a medal at the Greco-Roman World Championships when he finished third at heavyweight in 1963. In 1965, he became a worldwide interservice wrestling champion for the U.S. Army. While in high school, Raschke won the 1958 Nebraska Class A state crown at heavyweight while wrestling at Omaha North.

Raschke joined former Huskers Rulon Gardner and Matt Lindland in the prestigious Greco-Roman Hall of Fame. The four inductees for 2014 increased the Hall of Fame total to 14 wrestlers.

Ex-Husker Scherr Collects USA Wrestling Honor
Former Husker wrestler Bill Scherr earned USA Wrestling’s Myron Roderick Man-of-the-Year Award on June 19, an accolade that recognizes an outstanding man for his contributions to the sport of wrestling.

Scherr served a pivotal role in keeping wrestling as an Olympic sport, as he chaired the Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling (CPOW). In the position, Scherr developed the working structure of CPOW, ran weekly conference calls to help with CPOW’s strategy, oversaw the international relations area of CPOW and served as a spokesman for the organization.

Scherr has served on USA Wrestling’s Board of Directors and coached numerous teams, including the Women’s World Team. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1998 as a distinguished member after achieving success on the international level.

Scherr made one Olympic appearance, capturing the bronze medal at 220 pounds in 1988. At the FILA World Championships, Scherr earned four medals from 1985 to 1989. He took first place at 198 pounds in 1985, while earning runner-up finishes in 1986 and 1989, and a third-place result at the 1987 World Championships.

While at Nebraska, Scherr capped his impressive career with the NCAA title at 190 pounds in 1984. The three-time All-American earned a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships in 1983 and finished fourth in 1982. Scherr completed his career at Nebraska (1981-84) with a record of 133-18.

Scherr’s brother Jim, also a former wrestler at Nebraska, took home USA Wrestling’s Man of the Year Award in 1994. In addition, former Huskers Jordan Burroughs (2012) and Rulon Gardner (2000) have earned the accolade.

Husker Wrestling on Social Media
Nebraska wrestling can be followed on a variety of social media platforms for up-to-date team information as well as features on wrestlers:

• Twitter: @HuskerWrestling (www.twitter.com/HuskerWrestling)
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/NebraskaWrestling
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/HuskerWrestling
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/HuskerWrestling
• Flowrestling: www.flowrestling.org/user/NEwrestle

Next Up: Northwestern, Indiana
The Huskers travel to Evanston, Ill., to face Northwestern on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. (CT) on BTN Plus before returning home to host Indiana on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m., at the Devaney Center.